Activity 1: Fauna Survey, Comparative Population Study, and Data Analysis

Task 1: Initial Fauna Survey:

Perform a detailed survey of the fauna within the Mungalla wetlands. Document species presence,
abundance, and distribution, focusing on key species such as the black-necked stork, green tree frog,
and other species significant to the Nywaigi people.

Mungalla Wetlands Restoration Project

Before

After

Mungalla Stud is a property of 880 hectares. There are approximately 230 hectares of seasonally
inundated wetlands which are adjacent to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef and the IUCN listed
Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park. These wetlands have been degraded by invasive plant species of
Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Water hyacinth, Salvinia and Aleman grass as a result of installing an
earth wall to halt the flow of saline tidal water into the wetlands and by general spread into the
wetland by these Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). This action has resulted in major changes
to the hydrology, nutrient regimes, ecosystem stability and function of the wetlands.

While biodiversity and amenity values have been compromised there is excellent capacity for
restoration. The Nywaigi Traditional Owners have determined that they would like to return the
wetlands to a more natural state and through a series of projects funded through the Australian
Government we have begun the process of rehabilitation.

Since the inception of restoration activities the Mungalla Aboriginal Corporation for Business has
concentrated on:

 Weed control on the Annabone Wetlands

 Revegetating Molonga creek

 Removal of the earth wall

 Weed control in Palm Creek and other riparian fringes.

Mungalla would like to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government for its funding and
assistance through the Caring for Country programme, Community Action Grants and the
Biodiversity Fund. We would also acknowledge the support of GBRMPA through the Sea Country
grants.

"We have benefitted and worked really well with CSIRO who are providing Mungalla Aboriginal
Corporation with advice and scientific direction on the rehabilitation and restoration of our
wetlands". In a parnership that has grown over the last ten years we appreciate the support of
CSIRO - Dr Tony Grice and Brett Abbott" "We especially like to acknowledge Mr Mike Nicholas who
has been a friend and mentor and we would like to thank him greatly" - Jacob Cassady (Director) &
Chris Cassady (NRM Manager).
Task 2: Data Analysis:

Analyse the collected data to determine population trends. Assess changes in species diversity and
abundance over time, particularly in response to restoration activities like the removal of para grass
and re-establishment of native vegetation.

Task 3: Comparative Study:

Compare current fauna populations with historical data or data from similar wetland ecosystems.
Evaluate the impact of restoration activities on biodiversity and ecosystem health, focusing on both
positive outcomes and areas needing further intervention.

Submission:

A detailed report that includes survey data, analytical methods, and conclusions drawn from the
comparative population study, highlighting the restoration project's impact on fauna.

Activity 2: Environmental Impact Assessment, Habitat Condition Evaluation, and Stakeholder

Analysis

Instructions to Students:

Evaluate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the Mungalla Station Wetlands
Restoration Project. This activity includes assessing habitat conditions, conducting a cost/benefit
analysis, and gathering input from stakeholders, particularly the Nywaigi community.

Task 1: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the restoration

project. Focus on both short-term effects, such as soil disturbance during invasive species removal,
and long-term benefits, like improved biodiversity and water quality.

Task 2: Habitat Condition Evaluation:

Assess the current condition of the wetlands, identifying areas degraded by para grass and other
invasive species. Evaluate the potential for restoration, particularly in restoring native vegetation
and improving soil and water conditions.

Task 3: Stakeholder Attitude Survey:

Conduct surveys to gather input from the Nywaigi community and other stakeholders. Document
their attitudes, concerns, and support for the project, emphasizing the cultural significance of the
wetlands and the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).

Task 4: Cost/Benefit Analysis:

Perform an analysis to weigh the economic costs and benefits of the restoration project. Consider
both direct financial impacts and broader environmental and social factors, such as enhanced
tourism potential and cultural preservation.

Submission:
A combined report in a Word or PDF Format, that includes the EIA, habitat evaluation, stakeholder
survey results, and cost/benefit analysis, with a focus on how the project aligns with both
environmental goals and cultural values.

Acivity 3
Activity 3: Management Plan Development and Implementation

Completion requirements

To do: Receive a grade

Instructions to Students:

Develop a comprehensive management plan for the Mungalla Station Wetlands Restoration Project,
with a specific focus on managing fauna populations and invasive species. The plan should include
strategies for implementation and monitoring.

Task 1: Management Plan Preparation:

Create a detailed management plan outlining strategies for restoring habitats, controlling invasive
species like para grass, and improving overall ecosystem health. The plan should incorporate
traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and prioritize culturally significant practices.

Task 2: Fauna Management:

Integrate a specific subsection within the management plan dedicated to the management and
conservation of fauna. This should include actions to enhance habitats for key species, monitoring
protocols, and adaptive management strategies.

Task 3: Implementation Strategy:

Develop an implementation plan that details the steps, resources, and timelines required to execute
the management plan effectively. Include phased actions, from initial invasive species removal to
long-term monitoring and community engagement.

Submission:

A comprehensive management plan document (Word or PDF) that includes detailed strategies for
general habitat restoration, specific fauna management, and a clear implementation strategy with
timelines.

Activity 4
Activity 4: Stakeholder Communication, Compliance, and Adaptive Management Strategy

Completion requirements

To do: Receive a grade

Instructions to Students:

Ensure effective communication and compliance with stakeholders throughout the Mungalla Station
Wetlands Restoration Project. Incorporate adaptive management strategies to address challenges
and ensure the project remains flexible and responsive to changing conditions.

Task 1: Stakeholder Communication Plan:

Develop a communication plan that ensures regular updates, feedback loops, and active
engagement with stakeholders, including the Nywaigi community, local government, and
environmental organizations. Ensure the plan supports ongoing collaboration and respects cultural
protocols.

Task 2: Compliance Strategy:

Outline strategies to ensure the project adheres to all relevant legal, environmental, and cultural
regulations. This includes respecting Nywaigi cultural sites and practices and ensuring that all
restoration activities align with environmental laws.

Task 3: Adaptive Management:

Design an adaptive management framework that allows for flexibility and adjustments based on
monitoring data. Include specific examples, such as responding to unexpected challenges like the re-
invasion of para grass or changes in hydrological patterns, by adjusting management strategies
accordingly.

Submission:

A combined document that includes the stakeholder communication plan, compliance strategy, and
adaptive management framework, with a focus on maintaining cultural integrity and environmental
sustainability.

Activity 5
ctivity 5: Final Design and Monitoring Program for Ecological Restoration

Completion requirements

To do: Receive a grade

Instructions to Students:

Develop the final design and implementation plan for the Mungalla Station Wetlands Restoration
Project, including a comprehensive monitoring program to ensure long-term success and
adaptability.

Task 1: Final Design Development:

Create a detailed concept design for the restoration project, incorporating ecological, cultural, and
practical considerations. Ensure the design reflects the goals of restoring native habitats, enhancing
biodiversity, and preserving Nywaigi cultural heritage.

Task 2: Monitoring Program:

Develop a monitoring program that includes specific, measurable objectives (SMART goals), baseline
data collection, and ongoing monitoring activities. Ensure the program tracks both ecological
outcomes, such as species diversity and water quality, and cultural outcomes, such as the
preservation of significant sites.

Task 3: Implementation Plan:

Provide a phased implementation plan with timelines, resource allocation, and detailed steps for
executing the project. Include adaptive management strategies to adjust the project based on
monitoring results, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
Task 4: Reporting Schedule:

Establish a reporting and feedback mechanism that ensures stakeholders are informed about
progress and can provide input throughout the project. Regular reports should be provided to the
Nywaigi community, funding bodies, and environmental agencies.

Submission:

A comprehensive final design and implementation plan document, including the monitoring
program, implementation steps, and reporting schedule, with a focus on long-term ecological and
cultural sustainability.